Are you looking for somewhere a little quirky or unusual to get married? Would you prefer to make a sustainable or ethical choice for your venue?
At Frock Goddess we love all things ethical and unusual so we've put together a list of our favourite 13 unique or quirky ethical wedding venues around Manchester. We cover everything from micro weddings to grand, lavish affairs.
With the venues listed below not only will you be getting married in a unique and special space; you will also be helping to preserve an historic building; fund a not-for-profit organisation; or support an independent business. What could be better than getting the feel-good factor alongside your wow factor on your wedding day?
1 Ordsall Hall
Ordsall Hall is an historic Tudor wedding venue in Manchester which allows you to say your vows in the 500 year old timber framed Great Hall, complete with Victorian chandelier. The building has a gorgeous Tudor exterior, magnificent interior, and beautiful gardens.
The venue, in Salford, not far from Manchester City Centre, is available for your wedding ceremony, followed by drinks and canapes for up to 88 guests.
2 Elizabeth Gaskell House
Just one mile from Manchester city centre this stunning restored Victorian house celebrates the life and literature of Elizabeth Gaskell, Manchester’s most famous Victorian writer who lived here for a time.
Perfect for small, intimate weddings. For the ceremony you can hire the Study for up to 10 people; or the Drawing Room for up to 35 people.
You then have several options after the wedding for an intimate drinks reception; afternoon tea; or your wedding breakfast.
3 Victoria Baths
Fancy starting your married life in the deep end? At the stunning Victoria Baths in Manchester you can get married in your choice of five different parts of the unique and beautiful building: including inside the swimming pools (empty of course).
Victoria Baths, which is an ongoing restoration project, is licenced for both ceremonies and receptions.
I got married here myself in 2017 and we had the most incredible day. Our guests were wowed by the incredible venue.
4 The Didsbury Parsonage (The Old Parsonage)
This beautiful Grade II listed building is tucked away in a small, quiet park in Didsbury, Manchester.
The Didsbury Parsonage is a perfect venue for small, informal Manchester weddings and can accommodate a ceremony, drinks reception and meal for up to 60 guests. There is a curfew of 10.00 p.m.
5 Contact Theatre
For any theatre lovers what better place to get married than in a theatre itself?
Contact Theatre, just outside of Manchester City Centre is a not for profit organisation. Therefore, all profits generated from venue hire are reinvested into the theatre directly to help fund their work with young people, the local community and onstage.
You can choose any wedding package from the full works onstage; to a simple, intimate ceremony.
6 Savoy Cinema
This stunning cinema in Heaton Moor, Stockport is the perfect place to hold your wedding reception. The cinema was beautifully restored several years ago by an
independent family run business; and is a much-loved asset to the local community. A unique 1930s venue to hold your wedding reception - especially for film buffs.
7 Salford Lads Club
This iconic building, steeped in heritage, local history, and music folklore, is a perfect wedding venue for Manchester Music fans – or anyone wanting something a little different.
Salford Lads Club has 4 different rooms available to hire from the most intimate room for 20 guests, to the Concert Hall for up to 150 guests.
8 Victoria Warehouse
For a more industrial/urban feel for your Manchester wedding Victoria Warehouse is a unique experience for your ceremony and reception.
The venue is licenced to hold civil ceremonies in 2 contemporary and stylish spaces: The Bays and The Cotton Sheds.
9 Manchester Art Gallery
For art lovers Manchester Art Gallery is an unforgettable setting for your wedding.
Weddings and civil ceremonies are held among Mancunian paintings by Lowry and Valette in Gallery 16
After the ceremony, you have the option to have drinks in the Pre-Raphaelite Galleries; and dinner and dancing in the glass Atrium, Galleries or the Gallery Café.
10 Royal Exchange Theatre
Another perfect wedding venue for Manchester theatre lovers.
The Great Hall at the Royal Exchange used to be one of the world’s centres for cotton trade. The theatre company took up residence in 1973 and the building now boasts the largest in-the-round theatre space in the country.
Many of the spaces in the stunning building are available for hire for weddings and civil ceremonies.
11 FiveFour Studios
For fashionistas – or those with creative flair FiveFour studios in Manchester is the perfect blank canvas for creating a unique and stylish wedding.
This 1970s warehouse has been transformed into a state of the art studio and events venue and is licensed to host civil marriage ceremonies for up to 60 people; followed by up to 120 people for a sit-down meal; and up to 200 for a party.
12 Albert Hall
The Albert Hall Manchester began life at the turn of the 19th century as a Wesleyan Chapel. It is a huge, light space and has many original features still in-tact.
The first time I went to this restored Grade II listed venue in central Manchester several years ago I was blown away by its rustic beauty. I can only imagine that the space would make a jaw dropping and unforgettable wedding venue.
13 Portico Library
The Portico Library is a 214-year-old independent library and exhibitions space in Manchester City Centre. It was previously a members’ only institution with associates including John Dalton, Elizabeth Gaskell, Emmeline Pankhurst, Robert Peel, Val McDermid and Eric Cantona.
The Portico Library is a perfect venue for an intimate wedding celebration. Ceremonies can be held in the Main Library for up to 50 guests; or the Reading Room for up to 25 guests).
14 GRUB
Uber cool venue just outside Manchester city centre. GRUB MCR is a unique independent venue with craft beers, a large outdoor beer garden, and even a cinema space. They strive to be sustainable and vegan friendly.
Photos by Sarah Glyn Photography
What's very clear from this fabulous list of venues is that Manchester is a very cool place to get married! Do drop me a message if I've missed any ethical venues that you love.
For more tips on sustainable and ethical weddings take a look at our other blogs here.
Planning a Sustainable /Ethical Wedding?
If you're reading this blog then you are probably someone who is also looking for ethical/unique bridal wear, accessories and gifts. We can help with that! Our clothing, and accessories are all either ethically made in our studio using only sustainable fabrics (such as organic cotton, bamboo silk, remnants and deadstock fabrics). And our gifts and wedding day essentials are all locally sourced from independent suppliers and/or made from eco-friendly materials.
Have a look at our website for more details. Or take a look at some of our products below.
Doget in touch if you have any questions. I love chatting to popele about their wedding plans!
Otherwise, thanks for reading
Jen x
@frockgoddess